Moving Mandala: The Awakening

Ecstatic Dance Journey in the Sanctuary

As winter begins to loosen its grip, we gather inside the breathtaking sanctuary of Trinity Memorial Church—a soaring, stained-glass temple of light—to move with what is stirring awake through the ancient language of movement, breath, and rhythm.

This is Moving Mandala: The Awakening—an ecstatic dance journey shaped by the wisdom of the mandala:
the circle as a living field,
the center as the heart,
and each dancer as a luminous point within a shared awakening whole.

🌅 THE THEME—THE AWAKENING

This moment—on the threshold of spring, as the Fire Horse year begins—invites us to listen inward to sense what is ready to emerge.

This dance invites you to awaken from within—
to soften what has been dormant,
to feel what is stirring beneath the surface,
and to welcome what is asking to come alive as we move toward spring.

💫 THE JOURNEY

Your evening unfolds as a ceremonial arc:

Arrive & Settle—Doors open 7:30pm
You’ll be warmly welcomed by Brian Urbiztondo and Matthew Golben as you check in and cross the threshold into the sanctuary—glowing with festive light and immersive mandala projections—inviting you to gently attune to the field.
Arrive early to connect and mingle over warm, heart-opening elixirs and sensuous vegan treats from Jaya Kava and Butterfly Heart. Nourish the body with myofascial release offered by licensed massage therapist Ellis Kantrowitz, supporting you in softening, opening, and preparing for the journey ahead.
Opening Circle—8pm
We gather in a shared center—breath connecting us, intention anchoring us, the mandala activating beneath us. Together, we step into the field of awakening.
Warm-Up + Ecstatic Dance Journey
We begin with a guided warm-up led by Elana Stern—Tantra Guide and founder of Tantra Collective and ONE LOVE HUB—with live musical accompaniment by Matthew Beck, gently guiding you out of the mind and into the body to awaken presence and spirit.
From there, we flow seamlessly into a full ecstatic dance journey guided by the musical wizardry of Timmayo the Grateful, enriched with live instrumentation woven throughout. The sound unfolds in waves—earthy, celestial, tribal, and ecstatic—inviting deep embodiment and expressive freedom.
Move as your body longs to move. Dance as medicine. Dance as prayer. Dance as release. Dance as awakening. There are no steps to follow and no right way—only the truth your body already knows.
Sound Bath & Closing
We descend gently into a field of healing sound and grounding live music by Matthew Beck, with vocal offerings by Krystina Vázquez—allowing what has awakened through the dance to soften, settle, and take root.

The dance journey is amplified by an RCF sound system by Vortextual, illuminating visuals by Brian MunGavin-Mraz, cozy corner by Whitefeather, and a sacred altar by Ade—bringing the mandala to life through sound, light, artistry, and prayer.

🙏 HOW TO PREPARE

To honor the container and your own awakening:

Wear red or orange clothing to honor the Fire Horse that feels comfortable for full-body movement—think vibrant, expressive, and free.
Arrive bathed, in clean clothing, and scent-free (no perfume, oils, strong fragrances, or body odor) to respect the space and the sensitivities of others.
Bring water bottle & water, your own cup, and reusable wares to support a low-waste gathering.
Take a moment before arriving to tune into your intention—what is beginning to awaken in you as the Fire Horse year unfolds and spring approaches?

💃🏻 ECSTATIC DANCE GUIDELINES

Ecstatic dance is a freeform, nonverbal movement journey. The invitation is to dance however your body wants to move. This is a space of freedom, safety, and collective respect.

We welcome you into this temple with a few simple agreements:

No talking on the dance floor
Let the body speak. Let the music carry the conversation.
Move however you feel
Fast, slow, grounded, wild—your dance is your medicine.
Respect every body
This is a consent-based container.. If you wish to dance with someone, offer with presence—a gesture, eye contact, a smile.
If they choose not to engage, honor the “no” with grace.
A simple bow with hands at heart (🙏) is a beautiful way to decline or close a dance.
Phones away—no cameras, no recording
This is a sacred, present-time space. Let yourself—and everyone around you—be fully free.
Alcohol & substance-free space
This is a sober space. We rise from within with clarity and the energy of awakening.
Shirts stay on for all genders
This is a family-friendly sacred container—the dance floor is our mandala, and we keep the temple clothed.
Shoes off
Feel the earth beneath you, the pulse of the music, and the presence of the collective. (Exceptions for clean, indoor-only shoes if needed for support.)
Family-friendly container
Adults self-regulate, and parents help children stay mindful of fellow dancers and the shared space.

To protect the safety of the space, anyone who does not honor these guidelines may be asked to leave without a refund. Thank you for upholding the integrity of the dance.

💌 THE INVITATION

Come move what’s stirring within you.
Come awaken together, in community.
Come step into the mandala and dance what’s ready to blossom.

Moving Mandala: The Awakening
A night to stir, soften, and come alive—together, in the sanctuary of the circle.

Contact the host of Moving Mandala Ecstatic Dance Journey: The Awakening